Rev Marianne Helgers (BA)

Credentials

Rev Marianne has held the office of Appointed Designated Minister with Clergy Support Memorial since August 10, 2016. She has been busy in Youth Ministry and actively providing pastoral care by conducting Wedding, Baptism and Funeral ceremonies. We and the community she serves are thankful to her for expertise, direction and support.

Education

Though born in the Netherlands, Marianne has received all of her education in Canada, which includes:

  • Canadian Minsters Insitute 2019
  • Hamilton Teacher’s College 1971
  • Bachelor of Arts 1993
  • Certificates encompasing Relgious Studies, Literacy Development, Art Education, School Principal 1978 – 2005

Ministry 

Before becoming a valued clergy member with Clergy Support Memorial, Marianne was active in her own church community most of her adult life. She was part of the first church folk choir and was appointed a lay minister in the church. Marianne organized and led groups preparing the students for the various sacraments that they would receive. She worked with the children aged 4-8 during the church services so they could understand the gospels being read.

When she retired from her career as a teacher for 46 years, it was just weeks before her 65th birthday. Teaching, couselling, coaching and mentoring students from kindergarten to grade 12 gave her the skill sets which she easily transfered to continue her Youth Ministry and Pastoral Care work with us.

Marianne was actively involved in supporting and organizing the various religious ceremonies the students presented for the school community, especially focusing on leading the singing by accompanying the congregation on the guitar. Marianne taught Religious Studies for a number of years for the various high school grades.

A Personal Side to Marianne

Marianne speaks fluent English and Dutch, and when her mom was diagnosed with dementia. While volunteering at the Retirement Residence she would sing to the residents and speak to some of them in Dutch. Many of the Dutch speaking residents like her mom had lost the ability to understand English and returned to their birth language.

She is truly a caring, spiritual person who believes that there are good qualities in all humans. Given even a little bit of kindness and encouragement, she knows first hand that those who are deemed lost causes can be taught to contribute.